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William Riley Gaul was convicted of first degree murder Tuesday, May 8, 2018 and taken into custody. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, was charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen during closing arguments in the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul was convicted of first-degree murder Tuesday, May 8, 2018 and taken into custody. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, was charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

During a break defense attorney Wesley Stone, center, talks with prosecutors Kevin Allen and Molly Martin about some evidence in the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Family members of Emma Walker including her brother, Evan Walker, and mother, Jill Walker, on the right, hug after a jury convicted William Riley Gaul of first-degree murder Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, was charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul listens to District Attorney Kevin Allen during closing arguments in his trial Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen during closing arguments in the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen during closing arguments points at William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Judge Bob McGhee during a bench conference with attorneys Kevin Allen and Wesley Stone during closing arguments in the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Defense attorney Wesley Stone during closing arguments in the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen during closing arguments in the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 8, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul stands in the back of the courtroom during a break in his trial Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Defense attorney Wesley Stone goes over evidence with witness Lt. Allen Merritt during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul watches as his attorney talks with the prosecutors Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

More than an hour was spent showing the interrogation of Riley Gaul during his trial Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul during his trial Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Lead investigator Allen Merritt testifies about bullet hole in wall beside Emma Walker's bed during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Chief Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Chris Lochmuller testifies during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

KCSO Capt. Terry Wilshire testifies during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

KCSO Lt. Allen Merritt testifies during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, May 7, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

TBI firearms technician Jessica Hudson explains reason why the Glock pistol would have misfired, leaving the unspent bullet on the ground, during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen talks to the parents of Emma Walker during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul and his defense attorney Wesley Stone Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Sheriff's forensic officer Nikki Bules shows the loaded 9mm magazine to the jury during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Evidence photos showing the bullet cases outside the home during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Walker Stanley testifies Friday, May 4, 2018 that Riley Gaul ask him how to remove fingerprints from a gun. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Evidence photo of the 9mm Glock used in the death of Emma Jane Walker during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen, left, and defense attorney Wesley Stone talk during the trial of William Riley Gaul Friday, May 4, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Friend Alex McCarty confirms texts are between him and William Riley Gaul while testifying Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Photo of Emma Walker and Riley Gaul entered into evidence during the trail of Gaul Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Noah Walton on the stand with Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen, left, during the trial of William Riley Gaul Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Friend Alex McCarty testifies about Riley Gaul telling him he had stolen his grandfather's pistol during the trial Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Friend Alex McCarty testifies about these texts with William Riley Gaul Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul and his attorney Wesley Stone during the trial Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen, left, and defense attorney Wesley Stone during the trial of William Riley Gaul Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul waiting for his trial to start back Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Isaac Ewers, best friend of William Riley Gaul describes how Gaul would sit with big phone in his la Thursday, May 3, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul wipes his eyes while listening to his grandfather testify Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

James Walker, step-grandfather of William Riley Gaul testifying about his pistol being missing during Gaul's trial Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul during his trial Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee during a bench conference with attorneys in the trial of William Riley Gaul Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Zach Greene testifies during the trial of William Riley Gaul Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul and his attorney during his trial Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Photo of Emma Jane Walker shown during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul during his trial Wednesday, May 2, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul during his trial Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

During the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Jill Walker, mother of Emma, testifies during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Photo showing where bullet went into Walker home and black box shows location of bed shown during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Jill Walker, mother of Emma, during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Mark Walker testifyies about getting the call about his daughter Emma during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul during his trial Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Recording of interview with William Riley Gaul entered at his trial Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul and his defense attorney Wesley Stone Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen shows evidence on screen during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee and the attorneys during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Defense attorney Wesley Stone during the trial of William Riley Gaul Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul and his defense attorney Wesley Stone Monday, April 30, 2018 at his trial. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee listens to motion arguments during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, April 30, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Wesley Stone, attorney for William Riley Gaul, seated at right, during motion hearing Monday, April 30, 2018 at his trial. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen talks to family of Emma Jane Walker Monday, April 30, 2018. William Riley Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

William Riley Gaul Monday, April 30, 2018 at his trial. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee watches as court officer Tylenia Nichols Miller turns on the connection for a lawyer's computer in the courtroom. The trial of William Riley Gaul began Monday, April 30, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Emma Jane Walker.
Michael Patrick/News Sentinel

Wesley Stone, attorney for William Riley Gaul, seated at right, during motion hearing Monday, April 30, 2018 at his trial. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend.(Photo: Michael Patrick/News Sentinel)Buy Photo

A jury made up of mostly middle-aged men was seated Monday in the trial of a former Maryville College football player accused of killing his 16-year-old girlfriend after she broke up with him.

William Riley Gaul faces charges in Knox County Criminal Court of first-degree murder, especially aggravated stalking, theft, tampering with evidence, reckless endangerment and employing a weapon in the commission of a dangerous felony.

Jury selection in Knox County Criminal Court on Monday spanned hours, but by day's end a panel of eight men, four women and two male alternates was selected.

Opening statements are set to begin Tuesday. Defense attorney Wesley Stone on Monday indicated in his questioning of jurors a key issue in the case might not be whether Gaul killed Walker, but instead what level of culpability he bears.

Prosecutors Kevin Allen and Molly Martin contend Gaul went to Walker's home with deadly intent and is therefore guilty of first-degree, or premeditated, murder. But Stone noted in his questioning of jurors Monday lesser murder charges might be more apt — including voluntary manslaughter, a killing in the heat of passion.

Fatal obsession?

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Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee listens to motion arguments during the trial of William Riley Gaul Monday, April 30, 2018. Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend.(Photo: Michael Patrick/News Sentinel)

Walker was found dead in her bed on the morning of Nov. 21, 2016. Detectives determined she had been struck by two bullets fired through the bedroom wall from the backyard of her family's Cardindale Drive home in North Knox County.

Walker had dated Gaul, who played football and basketball at Central before graduating in 2016.

Knox County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen talks to family of Emma Jane Walker Monday, April 30, 2018. William Riley Gaul, a former Maryville College football player, is charged in the 2016 shooting death of his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend Walker.(Photo: Michael Patrick/News Sentinel)

Gaul's grandfather told authorities he had swapped vehicles with the teen on Nov. 18, and discovered a pistol he kept under the driver's seat was missing when Gaul returned the vehicle.

Gaul quickly was deemed the prime suspect and placed under surveillance by the Knox County Sheriff's Office. He was arrested a day after the slaying when authorities suspected he was going to destroy evidence in the case.

At the time, Gaul was a freshman wide receiver on the football team at Maryville College. He was dismissed from the team after his arrest.

A dream shattered

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A memory board of Emma Walker put together by her parents Jill and Mark Walker is displayed at East Tennessee Children's Hospital on Monday, March 20, 2017. Emma's family was attending the dedication of a room in the a NICU in her memory.(Photo: J. Miles Cary/Special to the News Sentinel)

Walker's dream was to become a neonatal nurse.

In the months after Walker's death, the Central High School Health Occupation Students of America and the school's cheerleading team established a college scholarship in her honor for qualifying seniors who planned to major in a medical or health-related field.

In March 2017, a room was dedicated in her honor at the neonatal intensive care unit at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.

CLOSE

Emma Walker wanted to be a NICU nurse, but her life was cut short. Monday a NICU room was dedicated on what would have been her 17th birthday.